Electricity Bills Could Fund Car-Sharing Program

In order to raise $16 million to launch an electric car-sharing program, the city of Indianapolis wants to increase electricity costs by 28 cents per month for Indianapolis Power & Light customers, according to a report by IndyStar.com.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor reached this agreement with city lawyers and the Indianapolis Power & Light, but it is still subject to review by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, says the report.

The rate hike would go into effect in 2017 and would apply until the city raises the $16 million to pay for the electric line hook-ups at charging stations in Mayor Greg Ballard’s BlueIndy car-sharing program, according to the report.

Running a similar car-sharing program in Paris, the Bollore Group plans to provide 1,000 plug-in electric cars for the BlueIndy program.